Chair of the Boundary Commission professor Colin Mellors said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Preston and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next ten weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same regardless of where you live.

“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across Preston and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole city or just part of it.”

The draft proposals were voted through at the city council’s full council meeting in May, incorporating many amendments suggested by council leader councillor Peter Rankin who had tabled an alternative proposals.

The boundary review has drawn a 36-page response from the Preston Conservative group who while agreeing with the reduction to 16 wards have radically different boundaries and names for many of them.

Any comments can be made on the Boundary Commission website or by emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk – you can also write to the commission at:
The Review Officer (Preston)
Local Government Boundary Commission for England
14th floor, Millbank Tower
London
SW1P 4QP

Once comments are received the commission will publish its final recommendations in January 2018.

Once agreed this will go to the Houses of Parliament for discussion on a draft order. Once 40 fays days have lapsed the draft order will be ‘made’ and the new wards would come into being for the May 2019 elections.

What do you think of the proposals for the wards? And reducing the councillors? Let us know in the comments below